It is not often, in these columns at least, that you will find praise for spin doctors, but if ever two people merited the title, they are Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar. To have outspun India, a country renowned for its spin pitches, and for batsmen who can play spin, is an achievement worthy of a dash to the record books. Perhaps the two wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the turn of the millennium or the Ashes win of 2010-11 could compete as England successes abroad. The two men have long been part of the England scene, but never before have the pair so dominated it. Not one to lack in confidence, Swann has now notched up 212 England Test wickets, a score only bettered by Derek Underwood. Panesar, by contrast, is a cricketer emerging from his shell – even though, cruelly, he may have to return to it. England's next Test encounter will be in New Zealand, where it will be back to business as usual with seam bowling and one spinner.